Greetings Floor Trends and Installation readers! Do not adjust your dials. My name is Ken Ballin, and I will be taking over the installation content this month—in an industry-first Ballin Knows Best (BKB) takeover of the publication. That's right, myself and our team of Ballin Knows Best mentors will be taking over and providing the content this month, covering different flooring categories with a few different subjects for your reading and listening pleasure. 

In the year we've begun our journey together, we've laid the framework for our website and online community ballinknowsbest.com , developed the most interactive and intuitive AI bot in the industry designed to assist installers on the jobsite, recruited our top-notch team of mentors from different fields within the industry, and even brought on our first sponsor, iQ Power Tools, to help bring our vision to life.

IQ is no stranger to innovation themselves thus making them a great fit with BKB. While their claim to fame in the flooring and tile industry is a well-known line of dustless dry cutting tile saws, they don't rest on their laurels and will be bringing us even more innovation in the future. A bridge saw with a 52" rip capacity, an updated and upgraded 10" tile saw, and a new 10" semi continuous turbo hybrid blade are on the short list but stay tuned to see more from these industry rock stars as they continue to impress. 

Now on to our very own rock stars, who are sharing their top installation secrets.

Contributor: Jason Potts

The Future of AI in Flooring Installation

Ballin Knows Best co-founder Jason Potts, who has a background in hardwood refinishing through his company RIC Flooring out of Marion, Iowa, talks to Floor Trends & Installation’s Beth Miller about the AI-integrated technology and what is setting Ballin Knows Best apart from other tech-based players in the industry.

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Contributor: Matt Garcia

Case Study: Crafting Timeless Beauty in West Texas with Mesquite Wood Flooring

Matt Garcia, owner of San Angelo, Texas-based Craftsman Hardwood Flooring, shares a case study on one of his projects. Garcia is a California-born surfer turned Texan craftsman, who says his company is built on a passion for creating stunning wood floor designs that stand the test of time. But it’s not just about the floors—it’s about building a business where every team member can succeed. Meet him on Instagram at @craftsmanfloor.

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Contributor: Daniel Gonzales

Gapping in Glue-Down Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Bringing Semi-Wet Setting Back

Daniel Gonzales operates Preferred Flooring in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which specializes in carpet and resilient floor coverings. While this family man spends his free time at a variety of youth sporting events, his extensive installation knowledge makes him our expert resilient flooring mentor. Keep up with him at @preferred_flooring_mi on Instagram.

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Contributor: Christopher Rachel

Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels: What to Consider Before Going All In

Christopher Rachel, owner of Superior Home Solutions, in Ashland, Nebraska, specializes in thin-panel installations. He also offers multi-day advanced training installation courses through a partnership with Tile Nation. Visit him on Instagram and YouTube at @SHS_402 for more thin panel projects and updates. 

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Contributor: Oscar Barradas

How to Ensure Your Walls are Plumb and Flat Before Installing Tile

Austin, Texas, is home to our Spanish-speaking mentor, Oscar Barradas, where he installs tile, hardwood, laminate, LVP, and renovates bathrooms. He enjoys working for clients who not only appreciate good work but also the journey of the renovation. See more of his work on his social media pages @obftile.

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Contributor: Reuben Potter

Floors By Southern Boys' Reuben Potter on Marketing Strategies for Flooring Installers

Reuben Potter, owner of Floors By Southern Boys in Manchester, Tennessee, is grabbing consumer attention through traditional marketing methods: billboards, vehicle signage, and sponsoring local groups and events. Listen as we discuss why self-promotion—and professionalism—are important for the independent flooring installer.

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Here at Ballin Knows Best we focus on helping installers in all stages and aspects of their careers. From just starting out and needing basic installation questions answered to running a successful business and needing help with marketing and social media to coming to the end of their installation career and seeking employment in other areas of the industry, our hope is that we serve the installation community as a resource throughout their journey and be the beacon of positivity that so many of us could have benefited from when we first started out many moons ago. 

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy our version of Floor Trends and Installation this month. Visit ballinknowsbest.com to see what we're all about and follow us on Instagram @ballinknowsbest. Remember, we rise by lifting others.